Monday marks the 30th anniversary of the release of a memorable – and ground-breaking – science-fiction film: Ridley Scott's “Alien.” You could say that “Alien,” which starred a then-unknown Sigourney Weaver playing a role originally written for a man, was the anti-“Star Wars,” the popcorn pop phenomenon that George Lucas gave the sci-fi world two years earlier. (Like “Alien,” it was also released on a May 25.)“Alien” was dark. It was grim. It was claustrophobic and graphic (think chest burster) and altogether terrifying.

It spawned three sequels.

It also spawned countless nightmares.

Today, you can rent – or own – the original “Alien” on DVD (a Blu-ray release has not yet been announced), and the film still turns up now and then in area theaters (most recently in San Diego back in January at the Ken Cinema).

Turning 30, they say, can be traumatic. For “Alien,” a motion picture icon, it's a badge of honor. That said, here are some facts, figures and talking points for all you “Alien” fans.

“ ... one of the few sci-fi films that deserves to be called a masterpiece.” – San Jose Mercury News

“What makes 'Alien' truly terrifying is (Ridley) Scott's vision of a future where the line between man and machine is disappearing.” – Salt Lake Tribune

“An empty-headed horror movie with nothing to recommend it beyond the disco-inspired art direction and some handsome, if gimmicky, cinematography.” – Chicago Reader

“The scariest movie I ever saw, or almost saw. Or saw parts of. The rest of the time I spent staring at the toes of my sneakers, lest that foul fiend pop up again unexpectedly and shockingly.” – Bill Hagen of the San Diego Tribune, in 1986.